Quarterly News Bulletin — October-December 2018

Learn what’s happening around the East Bay Center since our last News Bulletin!

Two of our people volunteering for the newsletter have recently been hired by Google which of course takes their time away from EBCB. Good news for Leah Gardner and Kelly McCarthy to have paid work, but sad news for us since they can’t be at our Center as often.

WHAT’S NEW:

Since our last bulletin, we have new staff members. Our technology staff is now Fran Franks, Mike Gorman and Patty Nash. Our instruction now includes Fusion for low vision users. Remember! We have iPhone and iPad training.

Our newly-purchased computers and increased technology are enabling us to expand and enhance our computer instruction, which is a long-awaited goal of EBCB.

Speaking of this technology expansion, we have been fortunate to get $14,000 towards the computer purchase, but the total cost for these additions have come to $25,000. We are seeking additional funding and donations to help with these costs. Many grants require matching funds, so any help any of you can gather from yourselves or any friends or family members would be of great help to our center.

The Adjustment Vision-Loss Support Group continues to grow, and is a help to those new to vision loss and the old-hands as well. We all need support as well as information and referral.

SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENTS:

October 18: Berkeley Library Adult Storytelling, 1 PM to 3 PM.

October 27: Quarterly Business Meeting, 1 PM to 4 PM. Lunch is $10. You must RSVP by Wednesday, October 24th. Come place your vote for members of the Nominating Committee. This committee will make recommendations for officers at the January quarterly business meeting.

November 17: In lieu of the Harvest Festival, a memorial service will be held for our past President, Anita March. Sponsored by East Bay Center Board of Directors. Refreshments will be served. You must RSVP by Wednesday, November 14th.

December 15: Holiday party, 12 to 4 PM. Lunch will cost $10 and we will serve a traditional turkey dinner with trimmings. You must RSVP no later than Wednesday, December 12th. Make reservations early to ensure a place; if we reach building capacity before then, we will be unable to continue taking names. Our drawing will be held at this event. First prize is $200, second prize $150, and two $50 prizes. You do not need to be present to win! Tickets may be purchased for $5 for a book of 6 tickets.

This is an important fundraiser for EBCB and we encourage each member to purchase 1 or more books to reach our goal of $2,500. Ask your family members, friends and places you shop to support this worthy cause. Many more prizes will be available for those present at the drawing. Contact East Bay Center to purchase your books of tickets now!

CENTER CLOSURES:

We will be closed from November 21 to 23 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, re-opening on Tuesday, November 27.

We will observe our annual winter break from December 18 to January 2, re-opening on Wednesday, January 3rd.